Short answer: the HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled. It ranks #20 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $1,119; the Audeze LCD-XC ranks #21, rated 4.3/5, and costs $1,299, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled does well: One of the most accurate open-back headphones available, with a preference score of 90 and a standard deviation of only 1.5 dB from the Harman target across 4 hobbyist measurements on squig.link. The catch: Sub-bass sits about 4 dB below target and is down 5.2 dB at 30 Hz, so the deepest synth rumble and organ notes lack physical weight.
Why pick the Audeze LCD-XC: A preference score of 89 and a 1.9 dB deviation show an overall balance that follows the Harman target closely with a neutral tilt. Watch for: Bass is clearly recessed, about 6 dB light in the sub-bass and about 2 dB light from 60 to 200 Hz, so kick drums and bass guitar lack weight.
Buy the HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audeze LCD-XC and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
One of the most accurate open-back headphones available, with a preference score of 90 and a standard deviation of only 1.5 dB from the Harman target across 4 hobbyist measurements on squig.link.
Amazon $1,119.00 eBay
A preference score of 89 and a 1.9 dB deviation show an overall balance that follows the Harman target closely with a neutral tilt.
Amazon $1,299.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled | Audeze LCD-XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,119.00 | $1,299.00 |
| Ranked | #20 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #21 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 90 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 89 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.54 dB standard deviation | 1.90 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.20 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 28 Hz (-5.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 27 ohms | 20 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic |
| Weight | - | 1.5 lbs (677 g) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled compares with other leading options: